‘We must be great in defeat’: Lionel Scaloni’s message as Argentina players lose temper after World Cup loss to Spain
Lionel Scaloni delivered a dignified message after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat. His words came amid ugly post-match scuffles involving some of the most honoured representatives of
Lionel Scaloni delivered a dignified message after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat. His words came amid ugly post-match scuffles involving some of the most honoured representatives of Argentine football. Some Argentine players clashed physically with their Spanish counterparts afterwards. Speaking to Telemundo, Scaloni remained composed despite crushing disappointment. "We feel sadness, but we left everything out there," he said. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What was Lionel Scaloni's reaction to Argentina's loss in the World Cup final? ⌵ Lionel Scaloni expressed sadness but maintained composure after the loss, praising his team's efforts and insisting that they should be 'great in defeat'. 2 Why did Lionel Scaloni emphasize the importance of reacting positively to defeat? ⌵ Scaloni highlighted that leaving everything on the field sets a powerful example for the nation, stating, 'You lose, and you have to get back up.' 3 How did the Argentine players behave after the World Cup final against Spain?
⌵ Following the final whistle, some Argentine players clashed physically with Spanish players, leading to chaotic scenes on the pitch. 4 What factors contributed to Argentina's loss in the World Cup final according to Scaloni? ⌵ Scaloni noted injuries to key players and the enormous wear and tear on his team, attributing the loss to several unforeseen obstacles they faced. 5 What is the status of Lionel Scaloni's future as Argentina's coach after the World Cup? ⌵ Scaloni's contract runs until December, and he plans to honor it, but he also expressed the need for reflection on his future coaching role. He praised his players' eternal fighting spirit and gratitude: “Eternal gratitude to these guys who reached another World Cup final. They competed until the end. I’ll keep an enormous memory of them.” "We're great in victory, we must be great in defeat," he insisted. He thanked the nation, insisting they'd given absolutely everything possible.
"We arrived here running on fumes," he admitted honestly. Still, he called their effort a powerful national example: "You lose, and you have to get back up.". “If you leave everything out there like we did today, it’s a great example for our country. You lose, and you have to get back up again. There’s no other way,” he added. Asked about being runners-up, Scaloni remained refreshingly honest. "Yes, I remember who finishes second. It costs so much to get here," he admitted. He acknowledged the immense cost of reaching such heights. "Of course, we'd have liked to have won," he added. “Gratitude, and sadness, obviously. But when you leave everything out there, it’s very hard to reproach yourself,” Scaloni said. Lionel Scaloni’s future as Argentina coach Attention now turns to Scaloni's uncertain managerial future. He'll discuss it with AFA's president. Crucially, he hasn't yet spoken with captain Messi. Scaloni’s contract runs until December, which he'll honour fully.
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